England and Nottinghamshire cricketer James Taylor has been forced to retire from the game because of a serious heart condition.

The batsman, 26, who has played seven Tests and 27 one-day internationals for England, is thought to have a condition similar to that which affected footballer Fabrice Muamba.

Taylor, who missed his county's pre-season fixture against Cambridge MCCU with what was thought to have been a viral condition, posted on Twitter: "Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life!

However, his county revealed he has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia (ARVC) in a statement in which England team director Andrew Strauss spoke of his "shock" and "sadness".

"Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability," said Strauss.

"It is immensely cruel that such a hard working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena."

Footballer Fabrice Muamba's heart stopped for 78 minutes while playing for Bolton Wanderers against Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.